Wounded Police Officer Returns To Light Duty Pocono Pines

The Pocono Mountain Regional police officer shot in the shoulder after responding to a domestic dispute in Long Pond June 15 has returned to work.

Police Chief John Lamberton said this week that Patrolman Michael Rice, 31, came back Monday and is on light duty status. Rice may resume patrol duties in about a month, the chief said.

Lamberton said Rice could not discuss the incident because of the pending criminal case against the alleged gunman, Steven William Wheatley, 36, who lived in the Blueberry Hill development off Route 115 in Tunkhannock Township, not far from Pocono International Raceway. Wheatley formerly lived in the Upper Saucon Township area.

Rice was a backup officer on a call to Wheatley's home. Another officer had accompanied Wheatley's girlfriend to the home so she could retrieve her car. Police said Wheatley was upset because the woman, Renee Ablazey, would not return an engagement ring. Police said Wheatley used his van to block in a police car, then refused to move the vehicle.

When a tow truck arrived at the home, police said, Wheatley appeared at the door of the residence, holding something. When Wheatley did not immediately show his hands to police, Rice stepped to the doorway and sprayed the suspect with pepper spray, according to police testimony at Wheatley's preliminary hearing.

Wheatley backed into the home, with Rice following. A shot was fired seconds later, and Rice stumbled from the home, covered in blood. Officials said Rice was hit behind the shoulder in an area not protected by a bulletproof vest.